Agrivoltaics for Ornamental Plant Nurseries: Innovation to Enhance Crop Protection and Energy Production

Abstract

Nursery crops, especially potted ornamental plants, are increasingly vulnerable to climate extremes, notably root damage from high substrate temperatures. Dynamic agrivoltaic systems (DAV) offer a promising solution by improving microclimate conditions while generating solar energy. Over two contrasting years, six ornamental species were grown near Lyon, France, under three treatments: open-field control with black ground cover (CTL), DAV with black ground cover (DAV-B), and DAV with white ground cover (DAV-W). DAV reduced incident radiation by up to 43%, lowered air and leaf temperatures (up to -15°C), and increased relative humidity, limiting plant stress. Substrate temperatures decreased by up to 8°C, with DAV-B significantly improving root development in 2024. Species responses varied: for instance, Lagerstroemia indica showed enhanced canopy diameter under DAV, while Photinia x fraseri declined slightly. The white ground cover increased reflected PAR, further reduced substrate temperature, and improved both root development and energy production (+6%). These results highlight the potential of DAV systems, especially when combined with nursery-specific innovations, to improve crop resilience and dual land use in ornamental plant nurseries.